Description Position at VON Canada (Ontario)

Requisition Details:

Employment Status: Regular, Full-time (1.0 FTE)
Program Name: Labour Relations
Number of Hours Bi-weekly: 75
Work Schedule: Days
On Call: No
Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position

About Us: VON is a non-profit organization that provides clinical, personal, and social support to people who want to live every day to the fullest while remaining in their own homes and communities.Job Summary:  The Labour Relations Officer supports the development and implementation of a labour relations strategy and leads various labour relations functions including grievance administration, collective agreement interpretation, employee relations, investigations and response. The Labour Relations Officer is responsible for developing collaborative strategic relationships with unions and VON leadership, advising on collective agreement administration, employee relations matters and providing training, education and support to VON managers. Key Responsibilities:Provide subject matter expertise on the interpretation and administration of multiple collective agreementsProvide strategic guidance to management to ensure that policies and practices are in line with applicable legislation (e.g. employment standards) and collective agreementsSupport the development of labour relations skills of managers through active training in labour relations matters including discipline, attendance, conflict resolution, grievance handling, and investigationsSupport facilitation and resolution of employee conflicts/issues in partnership with the Senior Director of Human Resources/Labour Relations and/or VON leadershipEnsure consistent application of collective agreements and HR policy throughout the organizationProvide support in the handling of medical accommodation casesRepresent the function at National and Regional work groups, task forces, projects, etc. on key organizational initiativesLead workplace investigations as delegatedRepresent the organization at grievance and arbitration hearings, working on behalf of the organization with legal counsel and other relevant  stakeholdersEnsure confidential information relating to clients, work colleagues, suppliers and VON’s operations is properly protected and not disclosed to third parties, unless permitted or required under relevant law or regulationComply with all statutory and internal disclosure requirements on a timely basis and ensures to the best of their ability, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the informationExternal and Internal Relationships:Work with VON National and Regional leadership teams in preparing for collective bargaining; in post-bargaining rollout and training initiativesStrong collaboration with VON National and Region leadership teams and Human Resources departmentStrong interactions and relationships with Union representatives and bargaining lead to promote a co-operative and effective labour relations climateMaintain professional relationship with employees at all levelsRepresent the organization and give direction to outside stakeholders as required on labour/employee mattersExtensive interaction on behalf of VON with legal services, Ministry of Labour, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders
Education, Designations and Experience:Post secondary degree in labour relations, law or related disciplineKnowledge of labour/management principles, the Canada Labour Code, provincial  employment law, Human Rights, statutes and the Labour Relations Board process(es) and collective agreement administrationA minimum of 5 years broad and progressively more senior labour relations experience including participation in collective bargaining (as a member of the bargaining or bargaining support team) and contract administration and interpretationFamiliarity with provincial labour regulations, collective agreements, provincial worker compensation legislation and practice, and various labour organizationsExperience with Nova Scotia and Ontario healthcare unions is an assetExperience in a health care environment preferred Skill Requirements:Ability to work in a fast paced multi-union environment meeting multiple demands and changing prioritiesExcellent interpersonal, influencing and verbal/written communication skillsStrong negotiation, mediation, workplace investigation and conflict resolution skillsRelationship management skills, including the ability to quickly earn the trust of internal customers and external clientsProficient in Microsoft OfficeAbility to work independently and as part of a teamDemonstrated commitment to on-going learning and professional developmentOther:Must have personal vehicle and possess both a current driver’s license and proof of vehicle insuranceWillingness to travel regularly during the day and at times overnight to support sites and attend meetingsCurrent criminal background check required with possible vulnerable sector screen.The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required

Working conditions and physical demands: This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.

VON Canada is committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities and to providing accessibility accommodations for candidates who require them. If you are in need of accessibility support, please visit our website at https://www.von.ca/en/accessibility for further details.

VON Canada is committed to embracing and celebrating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as fundamental to living out our values of Respect, Compassion, and Excellence in all that we do.